Group Leaders

Click here if you want to know more about
organizing your own safari or natural history expedition!

Don't do it! Really. When you calculate the time, effort, headaches, responsibilities, and all the rest --especially if you somehow think this is actually going to be something like a vacation-- you are better off just going by your self at twice what it's costing your travelers to go. OK, then why to I do it? The same reason I like to teach in the classroom or field: because I just love to share the adventure! So if you are looking for great way to teach and the joy of showing your students the world, an experience that will enrich their lives forever --then definitely do it!

Blue ribbon panel. Get some funky* ribbon, cut it into 9" lengths, and have your travelers tie it to their luggage (checked luggage, hand luggage, purses, hats, tennis rackets, whatever). Everyone can then see easily which bag belongs in your group and thereby avoid problems at the baggage carousel, loading the bus or van, etc. I've sometimes had the group organize a "luggage brigade" by staking out a section of the airport luggage carousel and having those closest to the carousel grab any and all bags with the group's ribbon on it and pass it along the line (away from the carousel) to the rest of the group. It keeps the group together and assures that no one is left behind waiting for potentially lost luggage. It also helps those in the group who may have physical (or emotional) challenges in grabbing heavy luggage off a moving carousel while elbowing complete strangers who are cursing you in an unknown language.

[* funky ribbon means ribbon that is unique. I get whatever wild ribbon is available and cheap. My pal Denise, organizer of great France tours, picks red-white-blue tricolor ribbon. DON'T pick ordinary red or green or yellow --because that's what EVERYBODY does and your bags won't be unique!]